Organization Logo ® See: Compeer, Rochester Inc. for complete information on the local Rochester operations. Compeer Inc. is an international, nonprofit organization founded and based in Rochester that "helps adults and children overcome the devastating effects of mental illness, such as loneliness, isolation and low self-esteem – through the power of friendship.
Our volunteer-based programs and services, which serve as a complement to therapy, provide supportive friendships for people in mental-health care – helping them on their recovery journey." 1 History "Compeer began in 1973 as “Adopt-a-Patient” at the Rochester PsychiatricCenter. The program served adults struggling with mental illness by providing a “friend” who would visit the patient on a regular basis. Compeer began to serve youth in 1978.
In 1980, Compeer began expanding throughout New York State and in 1982, ‘Compeer International’ was established to promote the Compeer model nationally. In 2006, Compeer International became Compeer, Inc. and the Rochester affiliate became Compeer Rochester, Inc. There are currently 80 programs in 27 states, Canada and Australia." 2 1Home Page2History on Rochester Compeer website